Numerous changes are in store for the 2013 Buick Enclave, General Motors' top-selling 3-row crossover vehicle, when it makes its debut in dealer showrooms in late autumn. The changes include revised styling cues—both inside and out—as well as new safety features, including the auto industry’s first-ever front-center airbag system, and updated gadgetry.

What remains the same for the 2013 Buck Enclave, which runs on regular gas, is the direct-injected 3.6-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 engine that achieves 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Its V6 engine is mated to an updated Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission that allows for smoother shifting and good gas mileage. The Enclave is available in four trim levels—Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium—and each can be configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). As with last year, the Enclave is estimated to achieve 17 mpg city/24 highway with FWD and 16/22 with AWD.

On the exterior, the 2013 Buick Enclave receives an updated waterfall-style front grille and LED-infused headlights and taillights, along with a revised front fascia with LED daytime running lights and a rear fascia with integrated exhaust outlets, which come standard on all trims. Inside, the Enclave can be configured to carry 7 passengers or 8, with the option of choosing two bucket seats or a sliding bench seat for the second row. The center stack console has been reconfigured as well, offering easy access to the tri-zone climate control system, LCD touchscreen display and other controls.

Other standard features on the 2013 Buick Enclave include xenon HID headlights, cloth seating surfaces, 8-way power driver's and front passenger seats with power lumbar support and 4-way adjustable head restraints, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons, heated power exterior mirrors, a rear defogger, roof rack, power rear liftgate, 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3/HD radio, Bluetooth Hands-free link, the IntelliLink system and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. Both OnStar Directions and Connections and SiriusXM radio are available initially through trial subscriptions.

Options—some of which are standard equipment for some of the higher-priced trims—include a navigation system, Nuance sandstone leather seating surfaces, heated driver's and front passenger seats, a moonroof, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and 19- and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The front center airbag, which will initially be available on the 2013 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, represents GM’s commitment to safety for all its vehicles. In 2012, all Buicks were rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as Top Safety Picks, and the 2013 Enclave should continue that tradition. In addition to the front center airbag, there are 6 other airbags as well: dual front side-mounted airbags and head-curtain side airbags for second- and third-row passengers. Additionally, the Enclave is equipped with 4-wheel ventilated antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist, side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, front fog lights and stability and traction control.

In addition to competing against its sister crossover SUVs from Chevy and GMC, the 2013 Buick Enclave finds itself competing against the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. However, once the Enclaves begin rolling off the Delta Township Assembly plant in Michigan, the exterior styling and safety upgrades Buick has made should put the Enclave close to or at the head of the pack as a top seller in both Buick’s model lineup and the midsize crossover market.